Presidential Candidate: Taiwan's Sovereignty and Independence Belong to Its People

The leading candidate for the presidency of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, stated today, Saturday, that "Taiwan's sovereignty and independence belong to its people," during a heated debate with other candidates that focused largely on disputes regarding China and tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Lai Ching-te, the vice president and candidate from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, emphasized in a live televised pre-election debate that he is "ready to engage in talks with China which has repeatedly rejected his offers for dialogue, viewing him as a separatist." The presidential and parliamentary elections in Taiwan are scheduled for January 13, amidst increasing military and political tensions from China asserting its sovereignty over the island, including the regular sending of warplanes to the Taiwan Strait.